Newton Police
Department
• Jason T. Purtilo, 36, of Baxter was charged with fifth degree theft from an incident that occurred at 12:41 a.m. Feb.. 26 in the 1300 block of First Avenue West. According to the Newton Police Department Purtilo entered the West End Sinclair Gas station and was seen on camera taking items that were not paid for and putting them into his pockets. Purtilo left the store without paying for the items. The items reported are lighters, Bluetooth speaker and food items. Purtilo was identified shortly after the incident was reported. Purtilo was asked about taking the items from the gas station without paying for them and he denied taking them. Purtilo took items with a value of $82. Purtilo was arrested on a warrant for his theft charge at 5:34 p.m. March 11 in the 300 block First Avenue West and taken to the Jasper County Jail.
• Elizsha N. Estey, 29, of Des Moines was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance at 5:15 p.m. March 11 in the 300 block of South 11th Avenue West. According to the Newton Police Department officers were called to Maytag Park for two subjects using drugs in a car. Upon arrival officers spoke with an off-duty state trooper who made the observation and pointed the officers to the vehicle and the individuals. Officers exited their car and could smell the strong odor of marijuana and approached Estey. Officers asked him to come back over to their car and asked him what it was that they were smelling. Estey stated it was marijuana, when officers asked him where it was he stated in his disc golf bag. Estey retrieved the marijuana and blue multi-colored glass pipe which officers took possession of. Estey was transported to the NPD where officers found he had a prior conviction for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. The marijuana was field tested and tested positive and weighed 4.3 grams with the zip lock bag. Estey was arrested and taken to the Jasper County Jail.